[quote=Cornelius08;3553190]You wanna use an exclosure where a deer or two might have made it into for an indeterminant amount of time as an example of what "should be normal' in the way of regeneration? No way hoss. You wanna show what is "normal" you show me fenced areas with known densities of deer inside at "normal" generally acceptable levels, over a known period of time, then assess the damage. If the forest composition then mirrors that found throughout most of the state, and for that matter the huge majority of the eastern US, then i say forget the enviro-agenda, because its pretty clear those types of habitat they are currently striving for are meant to be niches here and there, and not the norm throughout every inch of forest. Id also like to know why this hasnt been done (effects of given number of deer on habitat) when it shouldve been only common sense. That is, unless deer are not to be given much consideration in this management fiasco.
It's been done quite a few times.